Bronx Restaurant and Bar By Jim White Let’s give an updated “Bronx Cheer” to a steady survivor of the Metroplex dining wars, Bronx Restaurant and Bar. It’s hard to believe the Cedar Springs restaurant-next door to the Melrose-has been around for 20 years. Even more surprising is the number of people I’ve talked to who haven’t been lately-some in 10 or 15 years. I fall into that group. We’ve been missing good food and good surroundings. There’s more room now and it’s a lot brighter. Bronx took over the space next door some time ago and it really opens the place up. Back in the 80’s I thought the food was just OK. I see lots of improvement now. There is variety and the dishes I’ve tried are quite good. Plentiful salads start things off. I had the Caesar with grilled chicken ($6.95) and capers-a nice touch-with tasty garlic croutons. The romaine was a little brown around the edges-not wilted, perhaps a little too much time exposed to the air. A companion had the Turkey Caesar Tacos ($6.95) and thoroughly enjoyed the smoked turkey breast in flour tortillas with Monterey Jack over a Caesar. We also tried a hearty half-pound burger ($6.95), one of the selections from the lunch specials menu that changes weekly. Some creative and inexpensive dishes are featured here like Beef Stroganoff ($7.95), Southern Catfish with shrimp ($8.95), Grilled Coho Salmon ($7.95) and more. Back to the regular menu, try the Shaved Prime Rib Sandwich ($6.95) with outstanding curly fries and the Smoked Turkey Sandwich ($6.95) on a toasted whole grain roll. Pappardelle ($6.95) is another good choice if you’re in the mood for pasta. The wide fettuccine noodles are served with grilled chicken, spinach, red bell peppers and mushrooms. The price is right. Service is efficient, and it’s easy to carry on a conversation here. I’d say it’s a great place to consider for your business lunch if you work near downtown or Oak Lawn. Make that three cheers for Bronx. Bronx Restaurant and Bar 3835 Cedar Springs (214) 521-5821 Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com